Neil Cross pens Because the Night for ITV
James R | On 16, Jul 2019
Luther creator Neil Cross is heading to ITV for his next drama series, Because the Night.
ITV’s Head of Drama, Polly Hill, announced commission of contemporary thriller this week.
Produced by Euston Films, the chilling four-part story of murder – and perhaps ghosts – exposes the quiet terror of a man trying to escape his past. The series is inspired by the novel Burial, also written by Neil Cross (Luther, Hard Sun, Spooks, Mama).
Because the Night’s central character is well-meaning but directionless Nathan, who has a terrible secret he’s long prayed would stay buried and for which he’s long worked hard to make recompense. Almost a decade into his new and devoted married life, Nathan is rocked to the core when Bob, an unwelcome face from the past, turns up on his doorstep with shocking news… triggering a series of catastrophic decisions which cleverly drive a tense and compelling narrative of psychological suspense, dread, love and possible redemption.
Cross comments: “I’m truly excited to be working with ITV to make Because the Night. It’s one of my favourite stories: a tale of psychological suspense, of guilt and ghosts and murder. Oh, and love. Always love. Our job is to make viewers want to sleep with the lights on. We’re looking forward to it.”
Hill adds: “I’m delighted to be working with Neil Cross and Euston Films on Because the Night – a taught gripping contemporary thriller, which is both chilling and compelling. Neil’s adaptation of his original novel promises to be unmissable TV drama and I’m thrilled he’s agreed to do this for ITV.”
Euston Films is part of Fremantle, who were responsible for the recent series of Hard Sun. Euston Films Managing Director Kate Harwood (Hard Sun, Cranford, Baghdad Central) will executive produce the drama alongside Executive Producer for Euston Films, Noemi Spanos (Dublin Murders). Niall MacCormick (The Victim, The Durrells, Doctor Thorne) will direct each of the episodes.